Threefold Architects

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  • Orchard House

Threefold have received planning permission for a new family dwelling within the Chestfield Conservation Area in Whitstable, Kent. Replacing an existing mock-Tudor house, the new building will resonate with the Tudor mimicry of its surroundings through a contemporary idiom.

The site lies within an area which is characterised by mock-Tudor houses built in the 1920’s and 30’s. Threefold’s design draws inspiration from the historical context of the site through a contemporary reinterpretation of the vernacular forms and materials. A heavy brick plinth will enclose the ground floor, supporting a lightweight, articulated timber-framed upper storey. A structural strategy has been devised which consists of ‘post-and-beam’ structural timber construction, thus achieving an honest half-timbered building and celebrating the predominant style found within the area.

The new house will be an exemplar sustainable building, both in terms of its construction and its lifetime operation, as the client has long-term aspirations to raise the standard and awareness of sustainable construction within the area. Materials will be carefully sourced, the roof will be utilised for photovoltaic panels and the target is to achieve Passive House for operation and maintenance of the building.

 Through sensitive design and careful consultation we are pleased that our design was approved by the local planning authority under delegated powers without any objections from local residents.

Client: Confidential

Type: Residential

Area: 295sqm

Status: Construction

Location: Whitstable, Kent